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Useful for keeping both sun and rain out of your eyes, a cap is a summer essential. This one has UPF 50+ protection and is breathable and moisture-wicking to reduce sweat-induced discomfort; water- resistant and quick-drying for wearing in the wet. It also has a foldable brim so it packs easily away in your pocketVERDICTBreathable, packable, quick-drying, and designed for outdoor living. …

The design is simple yet robust, with a rear battery pack linked to a front headlamp via a partly-coiled cable. Power is 'dual fuel' via either the BD1800 rechargeable lithium-ion battery or three AAAs. The lithium-ion gives the best output: 400 lumens for 5 hours in max, 200 lumens for 13 hours in medium,and 8 lumens for 110 hours in low. You also get a fully waterproof IP67 rating.VERDICTA well- …

The Petzl Swift RL is one headtorch for all your needs. It's light (102g), compact, comfy. splash-proof, rechargeable, and powerful (550 lumens for 2 hours). But the real star is the reactive lighting technology, a sensor which analyses the ambient light automatically adjusts brightness to your needs. This preserves battery life and provides an excellent experience out on the hill.VERDICTA superb, …

I've used this for multiple wild camping and hiking trips, and although the effort of hand pumping the numerous litres of water over the years has given me a forearm like Popeye, it's proved to be a reliable trail friend. It removes bacteria and protozoa from wild water (to be sure its virus free you need to treat it with sterilising tablets or boil it), enabling all but the most untrustworthy wat …

The thing about water bottles is they take up a fair amount of space. Not so the Ultraflask, which is made from a soft, flexible material and can simply be rolled away when empty. It's also incredibly light, weighing just 41g. You can even freeze it, so on really hot days you've got a supply of slowly thawing icy water.VERDICTdesigned for trail runners, and excellent for hillwalkers, this ultralig …

The Sawyer Mini water filter is versatile, weighs just 65g and is guaranteed to filter 100,000 litres of water. Screw it to the top of the 16oz (455ml) pouch included or onto any standard water bottle to drink directly, use the removable straw to drink straight from the source, or connect it to your hydration bladder.VERDICTSmall, light, and incredibly versatile, this stalwart removes 99.99999% of …

Water sanitation comes in all shapes and sizes these days, but I love the simplicity and portability of this super-lightweight filter. It weighs just 95g and the reservoir just wraps around the filter, taking no space in your rucksack. It works quickly and effortlessly, to decant clean water, free from particles, bacteria and protozoa into whatever container you want (including straight into your …

Extendable packs usually gain space vertically, but this isn't ideal. Not only can the pack become unwieldly tall, but any gear stowed at the base is then even more difficult to access. The Flex Capacitor rucksack solves both these problems. Rather than extending upwards, it uses a double fold of material on the front and a series of cinch cords to expand or contract the circumference of the pack, …

This is a waterproof and breathable glove with a Gore-Tex insert that offers reasonable dexterity, toasty warmth and impressivetoughness. The palms, thumbs, knuckles and all the fingers are made from goatskin, which gives great protection and excellent grip, ideal for technical mountaineering. The pre-curved shape and rollover fingertips further enhance overall durability and tactility.VERDICTOur …

Slide your hands into the Extremities Torres Peak gloves and the warmth is instantaneous. This comes from a luxuriously high-loft fleece lining and an opulently generous helping of Primaloft insulation. Along cuff extends this coziness over the wrist, while Extremities' in-house X Dry technology ensures the gloves are waterproof, windproof, and breathable.VERDICTA warm, cozy, and thickly- padded g …

These warm, tough and waterproof mountaineering gloves have a nylon outer shell with goatskin reinforcements on palms, fingers and thumbs. Inside, a thick pile lining wicks superbly, keeping handsdry and comfortable. Extended cuffs with a drawcord closure ensure a good seal, while wrist leashes help to prevent losing one in the hills.VERDICTWarm, well-built gloves that are cracking value too. More …

I've used these every week for 4 years, all year round, and they're still going strong. Leg vents mean they're nice and cool in the summer. The stretchy material makes them super flexible when you're scrambling. I find them a slightly strange cut at the top of the legs, but other than that they're money well spent.VERDICTEven comfy enough to sleep in. …